Rolex Introduces Yacht-Master II Model in 2007

Fifteen years after the release of the Yacht-Master model in 1992, Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master II. With a 44 mm case and a regatta timer, this timepiece took advantage of the watchmaker's tech innovations of the early 2000s to expand upon the functionality of the original. 

First Rolex Yacht-Master II Model from 2007 (photo: Rolex)

This massive watch, one of Rolex's largest, was equipped with a 4161 movement that interacted with the Ring Command Bezel to operate the regatta timer and programmable countdown. Based on the 4130 movement, it featured the blue Parachrom hairspring and a power reserve of 72 hours.

Though there couldn't have been much of a demand for a timepiece with a regatta timer on the luxury watch market at the time, the Yacht-Master II provided a nautical alternative to other large professional watches like Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona. From the functionality perspective, the regatta timer isn't anymore esoteric than the tachymetric scale on the Daytona.

More so than the Yacht-Master model, the Yacht-Master II solidified Rolex's commitment to the yachting world. They have sponsored a multitude of yachting events throughout their history, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in Australia.

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